Though it isn't a backcountry deal exactly, I thought I'd mention that the annual Tessa's Ascension race wil be held on Saturday March 21 at the Santa Fe ski area, beginning at 5:30 PM.

The race is a fun event, and memorializes a Santa Fe ski patroller that was killed during her Peace Corp mission in 2006. The proceeds from the race this year will go to benefit New Mexico Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program (Anita Salas Memorial Fund). And the prizes are better than ever, thanks to the generous sponsorship of locally-owned Northern New Mexico businesses - Sangre de Cristo Mountain Works, Santa Fe Mountain Sports, Alpine Sports, and Sport Systems. Skis and all sorts of gear are up for grabs - but you gotta bring your A game.